ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that the San Francisco 49ers are among quarterback Deshaun Watson's list of teams that he is "intrigued by."
"I checked in with a source that says Deshaun Watson has a list of teams that he's intrigued by," said Fowler on ESPN's Get Up. "He's not pigeonholing anything, but he's got a list. I didn't get all the teams, but I was told that the Denver Broncos, the San Francisco 49ers are two of them.
"I also asked the source about the Jets and the Dolphins because they have the most draft capital this year and the next few years. I was told the Jets, 'Eh, probably not.' Maybe more so the Dolphins as far as viability."
Watson has expressed frustration with the Texans organization and has requested a trade. The team has not expressed interest in parting ways with its star quarterback. It was reported on Friday morning that the Texans would release defensive end J.J. Watt, a longtime fan-favorite.
Should Watson successfully force a trade, most expect the cost for the quarterback to include significant draft capital and possibly a young talented player or two. Watson is 25 years old and is preparing to enter his fifth NFL season. He has missed just one game over the past three years and led the league with 4,823 passing yards while throwing 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions during the 2020 season.
"But Watson knows he has to wait this out," continued Fowler. "He's got the no-trade clause in his contract. But it's all about the Texans continuing to tell teams, and they believe them, that they're not going to trade Deshaun Watson. I've talked to several execs who say they think GM Nick Caserio is dug in here."
.@JFowlerESPN from a source:
"Deshaun Watson has a list of teams he's 'intrigued by' ... I didn't get all the teams, but I was told that the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers are two of them. ... I was told the Jets, 'eh probably not.'" pic.twitter.com/8YOmTbF3zw
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 12, 2021
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.